MLB Insider Thinks Houston Astros, Cleveland Guardians Could Be Top Slugger Contenders in July Trade Market

A prominent MLB insider believes the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians could be serious contenders for the top power hitter position that could be available on the MLB trade market in July.

Heading into today’s MLB games, the Astros and Guardians are in very different positions. While Houston has been a baseball powerhouse for much of the last decade and won another World Series title two seasons ago, they are off to a surprisingly poor start to their 2024 campaign and are considered by many around the league as potential sellers before the trade deadline. .

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On the other hand, the Guardians are in the midst of an upward climb after missing the playoffs in 2023. They are off to one of their best season starts in years and are heading into their game against the Rockies of Colorado on Wednesday with the second. -best record in the entire league.

Yet, despite their divergent positions in the current American League standings, ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney thinks they could be two of the likely organizations competing for the same All-Star player who could be placed on the trading block in a few weeks.

• Pete Alonso Stats (2024): .231 AVG, .305 OBP, .453 SLG, 12 HR, 26 RBI, 29 R

On Tuesday, Olney said the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians should be considered as “possible choices” for New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso. The three-time All-Star hit 86 home runs over the previous two seasons and is considered one of the game’s elite sluggers.

The Mets and their hometown star have yet to reach a contract extension as he plays out the final year of his original deal with the team. Even before the season started, his name was at the center of trade speculation, and with New York not appearing to be a serious playoff contender this season, many believe they could be sellers again before the trade deadline MLB July 30.

Alonso could be slotted in at either DH for both teams, but would be a significant upgrade at first base for Houston.

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